United Cup team thrown into chaos with top player taken ill one day before first match | Tennis | Sport
The Australian United Cup team has been left in a tricky spot ahead of their opening tie against Norway, with Aussie No. 1 Maya Joint skipping all media duties after becoming unwell. The teenager is set to face Malene Helgo in Saturday’s evening session in Sydney, but has been left in a race against time to recover from an illness.
The world No. 32 missed Australia’s pre-tournament press conference on Friday afternoon, as captain Lleyton Hewitt admitted he heard from Joint, who was busy resting up for Saturday’s tie on doctor’s orders.
“I haven’t spoken to her because she’s resting. Just trying to get as much sleep and rest as possible today. Hopefully it’s only a 24-hour thing and she can bounce back tomorrow,” Hewitt said ahead of the tournament.
“She hit well yesterday. Yeah, confidence-wise I don’t think myself or the team are too worried about how she’s hitting the ball and moving and playing at the moment. We’re trying to give her the best chance of having 100 per cent energy when she goes out there to play. Yeah, fingers crossed she gets the chance. If not, we’ll reevaluate.”
Should Joint be unable to take the court against Helgo, Storm Hunter or Maddison Inglis could get the call-up for the match. Joint enjoyed a huge breakthrough in 2025, starting the year ranked outside of the world’s top 100 and ending it inside the top 40 after lifting two titles in Rabat and Eastbourne.
Joint’s illness has not been disclosed by the Aussie squad, but they confirmed that doctors advised the 19-year-old to rest if she wanted to have a chance of competing on Saturday.
The Australian United Cup squad also boasts ATP No. 7 Alex de Minaur, who thrives in the team atmosphere and beat Novak Djokovic at this tournament in 2024. And De Minaur has been impressed by Joint’s rapid rise.
“Over the last year, I was able to watch her unbelievable rise in the rankings. She’s a great person, she’s playing some incredible tennis. I’m excited to share the court with her,” he said.
The Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney holds a special place in De Minaur’s heart, and he added: “Well, for me specifically what I’m thinking as I’m walking out is the countless hours I did on the outside courts on this venue growing up, right? I was at the academy here. I grew up here. I was here whilst the tournament was being played. I was a hitting partner for the tournament. All I wanted as a kid was to one day compete on that court.
“It is basically a pinch-me moment every time I walk out there. I get goosebumps. The crowd support is always unbelievable. Yeah, that’s what I love about it.”
